Barbara Walters, a pioneering personality in the broadcasting industry, has left an indelible mark with an illustrious career spanning several decades. Despite health problems towards the end of her tenure, Walters continued to be a pioneer in journalism and television, breaking barriers for women in the media. Her decision to retire in 2014 was a testament to her prioritization of health and well-being, marking the end of an era in broadcast journalism. However, her legacy lives on through her pioneering work, memorable interviews, and enduring contributions to the field. While Walters spent her final years peacefully surrounded by loved ones, her impact on the industry and society at large remains profound and lasting.
A pioneering figure in the field of broadcasting, Barbara Walters had an extensive career spanning several decades.
But Walters decided to leave her beloved job when her health began to deteriorate. Her final days were spent battling the horrors of dementia, forgetfulness, and confusion.
Barbara Walters was well-known in journalism and broadcasting. She had a decades-long career in the media and made a lasting impression, especially as a woman in the industry. But in 2014, Walters gave up her lucrative career to focus on her health.
Walters went through a series of health issues in March 2013, including a case of chicken pox and an accidental fall. While covering President Obama’s second inauguration for her employer, she lost her footing, fell down the stairs, and was injured.
Three years ago, she had an aortic valve replacement, which required ten days in the hospital to recover from open heart surgery. Because Walters was anemic, her doctor said her case was complicated.
Walters recovered from surgery and took two and a half months off. After her return to “The View” position, she realized it was time to give up her broadcasting career. ABC Network feared losing Walters because she was a trailblazer for women in media.
Not only did she create and co-host “The View,” but she also built a reputation as a reliable interviewer of a number of well-known politicians and members of the public. Walters attracted a number of viewers who were drawn to her nature on television.
However, it soon became clear that Walters was unable to continue working as she had once done. Journalist and author Ramin Setoodeh of “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View'” wrote:
One day she fell into the arms of the conductor as the performance drew to a close.
They had to carry her into the green room and lay her on the couch. The paramedic was called by the staff.’
Being the dedicated professional host that she was, Walters returned to work the next day. Still, her impending retirement was an inevitable circumstance. ABC aired a primetime program honoring her incredible career when it was almost over.
Walters, ninety-three, died peacefully at her home in 2022, surrounded by her family.
She chose to live a private life for the rest of her days, so the last time she was seen by the public was probably around 2016.
The Barbara Walters Building, the headquarters of the news division on the Upper West Side, is another way the network has honored Walters.
In addition to ABC, Star Jones and Meredith Vieira, Walters’ previous co-hosts, wanted to honor her career and welcome her back to “The View” for the esteemed host’s farewell season.
Barbara Walters had dementia and spent her last years at home
The same year she retired, Walters bought a three-bedroom, four-bathroom condo in Naples for $3.4 million. Unfortunately, the seasoned broadcaster didn’t spend much time in her lavish home. Not long after her dementia worsened, she moved.
In mid-2016, Walters’ daughter, Jaqueline “Jackie” Dena Guber, advertised the house for sale after taking ownership from her mother. According to a New York Post source:
“It was supposed to be her retreat, but unfortunately her health has deteriorated very rapidly in recent years and we just knew she would be best accommodated in New York.”
Walters lived the rest of her days alone, disoriented, forgetful, and in need of a wheelchair in the apartment. Her behavior, reasoning, and memory began to deteriorate as her dementia worsened. Walters also feared he would fall and break his hip. Unfortunately, she saw very few people and did not accept visitors.
Walters, ninety-three, died peacefully at her home in 2022, surrounded by her family.
She chose to live a private life for the rest of her days, which is why she was last seen by the public probably around 2016. Several media outlets paid tribute to Walters’ life and career shortly thereafter.
The capture of the 1963 assassination of former President John F. Kennedy served as the catalyst for Walters’ remarkable six-year career. She went on to host several shows and interviewed a number of famous people.
Walters became the first female “Today” co-host in the program’s history, marking a major milestone for NBC. Not only that, but she was also the first female anchor of the “Evening News”. Cindi Berger, her agent, stated:
“She didn’t regret anything in her life. She paved the way for all women, not just journalists.”
Walters’ New York residence, which she lived in for thirty years before her demise, was put up for sale in 2023. The icon’s home in Manhattan’s Upper East Side had five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a view of Central Park. The asking price was $19.75 million.
The home’s living room is large and has windows overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park. It has herringbone floors, built-in bookcases, and a marble fireplace. The space opens to a formal dining area with antique furniture and crystal chandeliers.
In addition, the Walters home features a library with window seats that overlook the breathtaking view.
Its comfortable interior welcomes guests with ease. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet with large mirrors, a toilet, and crimson walls.
The stunning residence is one of the suites in the fourteen-story structure, which was created in 1925 by architect Nathan Korn. It is equipped with a concierge, elevator, and gym, all in an Italian Renaissance palace.
Walters’ private life was as varied as her residential and professional life.
Walters, who wore a ring from her previous boyfriend, found her second husband after enduring three failed marriages.
She was a proud mother who decided to adopt after suffering three miscarriages. Born in 1968, Guber was her only child and grew up in Walters’ devoted embrace.
Guber attended to his mother’s last months of life and arranged for Walters’ medical care.
Although Walters’ mother was always working as a child, Guber remained by Walters’ side until the end of the journalist’s life. Guber undoubtedly rejoices in his mother’s achievements and existence.
Barbara Walters’ illustrious career in journalism and broadcasting left an indelible mark on the industry and paved the way for countless women in media. Despite health problems in her later years, Walters continued to inspire with her resilience and dedication to her craft. Her decision to retire and focus on her health reflected her unwavering commitment to self-care and well-being. While she peacefully spent her final days surrounded by loved ones, Walters’ legacy lives on, fondly remembered by those whose lives she touched and the countless audiences who admired her work. For her pioneering spirit, tenacity, and trailblazing achievements, Barbara Walters will forever be celebrated as a trailblazer and icon in the world of journalism.